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Train for a backstage career with a foundation degree in scenic arts, set construction or technical production

Our two-year foundation degrees in scenic arts, set construction and technical production are designed in collaboration with the industry to get you hands-on, industry-focused training for a creative career in theatre, TV, film and live events.

Make it happen - Launch your backstage career at a leading UK conservatoire

Wales has become a creative hub with Netflix, NBCUniversal, Lucasfilm and others filming here, and production companies like Bad Wolf and Severn Screen helping put Cardiff on the map.

RWCMD’s foundation degrees are the only courses of their kind in Wales, designed with the industry, to meet the growing demand for skilled backstage professionals and train the next generation of theatre and screen technicians.

You’ll work on live shows in our professional theatres, learn from experienced industry tutors, and gain the technical and problem-solving skills that are essential in this fast-moving world. Many of our students take on paid placements or freelance work while they study.

Graduates from our courses go on to work across the creative industries – from the West End and music festivals to TV studios, film sets and theme parks.

What you'll study

You can choose from three specialist foundation degrees and you’ll be taught by working professionals and work backstage on public performances as part of your course.

Foundation Degree in Scenic Arts

In this work placement centred course, you’ll learn how to create stage sets, backdrops and props for public performances, television and film.
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Foundation Degree in Scenic Construction

Through work experience and hands-on training, you’ll learn how to plan, draught, construct and install sets to a professional standard whilst working on our numerous public productions.
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Foundation Degree in Technical Production

Through in-house productions, industry based placements and hands-on training, you’ll learn all relevant skills relating to the work of the production technician in theatre, events, film and TV.
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What is a foundation degree?

A foundation degree is a university-level qualification that focuses on practical, hands-on training for a specific industry - in this case, backstage roles in the creative sector.

It takes two years to complete and is designed with employers, giving you the skills and experience to move straight into work or specialise further. If you want to continue studying, you have the option to apply to 'top up' to a full Bachelor's degree by completing an extra year in your chosen specialism.

Unlike an apprenticeship, this full-time course gives you structured training across a wide variety of backstage jobs. You’ll develop your skills in professional workshops, work on live productions in our on-site venues and take on industry placements that prepare you for creative careers in theatre, film, TV and events.

Why choose a foundation degree over an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships can be great, but you might only get experience in one type of role, rather than building a broader skillset. With a foundation degree at RWCMD, you’ll get:

  • A structured backstage training programme focused on building industry level skills from the ground up.
  • Time to develop your craft in a safe, supported environment.
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment used by the industry.
  • Work placements with major arts, film and tv companies.
  • A nationally recognised qualification that can open doors to jobs or further study.

Who is a foundation degree for?

  • You might be a school leaver who prefers working with your hands.
  • You might already have experience in painting, building, or event tech and want to turn it into a career.
  • Or you might be looking for a fresh start in the creative industries.

Whatever your background, if you’re curious, committed and ready to learn by doing, our foundation degrees could be your next step.

What our students say

'So far the course has been exactly the way I would have made it - it's my ideal course. For four of the industry partners to be within a mile radius of each other is really cool. They’re all looking for people to work for them, so it’s great knowing that when we graduate the work is almost waiting there for us.’
Will HoughtonScenic Construction
'It's just so baffling that Disney actually get to work with us. Before, I didn't even think that I could make something like that, but I could!'
Demi GreenScenic Arts

Explore graduate stories

Find out how our foundation courses are preparing students for Wales’ growing screen industries.

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Hear from two Scenic Arts graduates working in film, TV and theatre.

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Read how Hannah turned her carpentry skills into a backstage career with our Scenic Construction Foundation Degree.

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Captions for this video are available in English and Welsh.

Why train in Cardiff?

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most exciting creative cities – and a brilliant place to start a backstage career. It’s home to national arts organisations, major touring venues and growing film and TV studios, with global companies like Bad Wolf and Severn Screen based here. As a student, you’ll have access to this thriving creative network, and more:

  • One of the UK’s most affordable student cities
  • Great transport links to London, Bristol, and Manchester
  • A friendly, welcoming and safe place to live
  • A creative capital with lots going on – from live music, sport to festivals and art

Ready to take your next step?

Join us for an Open Day and find out how you can train for a backstage career.

You’ll get the chance to:

  • Tour our workshop, production spaces and theatres.
  • Talk to course tutors and current students.
  • Find out how to apply, and what support is available.
  • See first-hand what it’s like to train here and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Book your Open Day
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